Considerations regarding alternative uses of lignocellulose composites in Central America

Aldo Ramirez-Coretti, Purdue University

Abstract

One of the most serious problems of Central America is that of housing; more than 18 million people are in need of shelter. At one time, timber from extensive forests covering the region could have been used to provide the building materials needed to solve the housing problem. Unwise clearing of the forests to provide land for agricultural purposes, however, has largely depleted timber reserves. Since extensive forest land that could provide abundant solid wood to build housing is no longer available, alternative means to solve the problem are needed. Thinnings from reforestation projects and commercial plantations along with agricultural residues such as rice straw, sugar cane bagasse, banana, coconut, and African palm are producing substantial amounts of unused residues. The production of ligno-cellulose composites from those residues can provide construction materials to aid in the solution of the housing problem, provide additional sources of income, promote incentives to a sustainable use of natural resources, and stimulate the forest and agriculture sectors to engage in activities that benefit the region as a whole. The objective of this research was to provide the background information, based on the Central American experience, needed to help guide future research and development of ligno-cellulose composites intended for housing in this region of the world. This research considered the social, economic, technical and managerial environments of the construction sector of Central America as means of determining the possibilities and defining the constraints which would hinder the introduction and use of these composites. The research is based on literature reviews, consultation with experts, field visits, case study analysis, evaluation of statistics and projections, testing and analysis of material properties, and design of a proposed house solution. The results of the study indicate that ligno-cellulose composites can provide a viable alternative to traditional materials and construction systems used for housing in Central America. Furthermore, ligno-cellulose composites can provide Central America with alternative uses of natural resources within the framework of sustainable development.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Eckelman, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Civil engineering|Wood|Technology|Architecture

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